The concept of work is deeply embedded in the biblical narrative, reflecting both the divine nature and human responsibility. From the very beginning, work is portrayed as a fundamental aspect of God's creation and human existence.

Creation and Divine Example

The Bible opens with the account of creation, where God Himself engages in the work of forming the heavens and the earth. Genesis 2:2-3 states, "And by the seventh day God had finished the work He had been doing; so on that day He rested from all His work. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because on that day He rested from all the work of creation that He had accomplished." Here, work is depicted as a divine activity, and God's rest on the seventh day establishes a pattern for human labor and rest.

Human Vocation

Human beings are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), and part of this image-bearing includes the call to work. Genesis 2:15 describes the placement of Adam in the Garden of Eden: "Then the LORD God took the man and placed him in the Garden of Eden to cultivate and keep it." This mandate to cultivate and keep the garden signifies the human responsibility to steward and manage God's creation.

The Fall and Its Impact on Work

The fall of humanity introduced toil and hardship into the realm of work. Genesis 3:17-19 records God's words to Adam: "Cursed is the ground because of you; through toil you will eat of it all the days of your life. Both thorns and thistles it will yield for you, and you will eat the plants of the field. By the sweat of your brow you will eat your bread, until you return to the ground, because out of it you were taken; for dust you are, and to dust you shall return." Work, which was originally a joyful and fulfilling activity, became laborious and fraught with challenges due to sin.

Work as Service and Worship

Despite the fall, work retains its dignity and purpose. The New Testament emphasizes that work is a form of service and worship to God. Colossians 3:23-24 instructs, "Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men, because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." This passage highlights the Christian understanding that all work, when done for the Lord, is meaningful and valuable.

The Sabbath and Rest

The concept of the Sabbath is integral to the biblical understanding of work. The commandment to observe the Sabbath, as found in Exodus 20:8-10 , states, "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God." The Sabbath provides a rhythm of work and rest, reminding believers of their dependence on God and the ultimate rest found in Him.

Work in the Early Church

The early Christian community also valued work, as seen in the apostolic teachings. The Apostle Paul, in 2 Thessalonians 3:10 , admonishes, "For even while we were with you, we gave you this command: If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat." This instruction underscores the importance of personal responsibility and the expectation that believers contribute to their community through diligent labor.

Eternal Perspective on Work

Finally, the Bible presents an eternal perspective on work. Revelation 22:3 describes the new creation: "No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be within the city, and His servants will worship Him." In the redeemed creation, work will be restored to its original purpose, free from the curse of sin, as an act of worship and service to God.

In summary, the biblical view of work encompasses creation, fall, redemption, and restoration. It is a divine calling, a means of service, and an expression of worship, reflecting the character of God and the dignity of human labor.